The article points by point tells about the main nuances that a traveler planning a vacation on the island of Djerba should know. Read and remember!

For travelers, the island of Djerba is truly a fabulous place. Just imagine, you have pink sand under your feet, a stunning view of the sea in front, and olive and date trees grow behind you. By visiting this island in Tunisia, you can get acquainted with the culture and life of the local population, see the sights, visit spa centers and, of course, swim in the sea.

Where is the island of Djerba on the map of Tunisia

Are you planning a trip? That way!

We have prepared some useful gifts for you. They will help save money at the stage of preparation for the trip.

Climate on the island of Djerba

The climate on the island of Djerba is continental, with warm winters and hot summers. In winter, the average air temperature is +12 C° - +15 C°. This time is perfect for sightseeing holidays and for those who want to do thalassotherapy. These are wellness procedures using seafood. All kinds of algae, water and dirt.

In summer, the air temperature rises to + 30 C° - +33 C° during the day, and +20 C° - + 25 C° at night. The average water temperature during this period is +26 C° - +28 C°. Very comfortable in autumn. For example, in the temperature is kept around 27 C °.

Attractions

El Ghriba Synagogue in Riyadh- is considered one of the oldest synagogues in the world, its age is more than 2000 years. Every year, pilgrims come to the synagogue to bow to the shrine and see one of the ancient Torah Scrolls. Also in the synagogue are the relics of Shimon Bar Yashai, he was one of the authors of the Talmud.

Gellala village famous for its pottery craftsmen. Walking through the streets of the village, you might think that you are in an art gallery, as beautifully painted handmade plates, jugs, and cups “look at you” from all sides. The most liked product can be purchased as a gift.

Every year in the village pottery festival where you can see the work of the best masters.

Crocodile farm- This is a farm-reserve where crocodiles are bred. The first crocodiles were brought to the island from Madagascar, they gradually got used to the local climate and began to breed. Today there are about 400 crocodiles on the farm. Anyone can feed this ancient animal. You can watch the life of crocodiles from special bridges.

Museum of Folk Traditions in Gelal– museum visitors will be able to see small scenes from the life of the inhabitants of the island and get in touch with their way of life. In one of the halls, you can see how bread is baked, or food is cooked, national clothes are woven, or tea is being prepared. In another room, various brides' wedding attire is presented, from the poorest dress to the most expensive and luxurious, and many other exhibits.

Next to the museum is a workshop where you can see the process of obtaining olive oil from start to finish.

Djerba Lagoon is notable for the fact that in this beautiful place, where date palms and olive trees grow nearby, large flocks of amazing birds, Pink Flamingos, gather. Most of these "beauties" arrive on the island to wait out the winter and feast on mollusks, crustaceans and other food.

The lagoon is also famous for the fact that surfers gather here. Since a rather strong wind blows in the northeast of the island, forming waves loved by surfers.

Fortress of Gazi Mustafa It was built to protect the surrounding area from pirate raids. And it performed its function perfectly until it was attacked by the cruel pirate Dragut Reis, who massacred the entire garrison of the fortress. And from the heads of the dead, he built a large pyramid. This terrible pyramid stood until 1848, when the French dismantled it. Today, there is a monument at this place, which reminds of the terrible atrocity of the pirate.

Also from the island you can go on a tour of the most majestic Sahara desert, of course, accompanied by an experienced tour guide.

Where to stay on the island of Djerba

Most of the hotels are located in the northern and western parts of the island, as well as in the city of Houmt Souk and Midoun.

The most popular hotels:

1. Riu Palace Royal Garden 5*;
2. Sensimar Palm Beach Palace 5*.

More economical hotels include:

1. Les jardins de Toumana 4*;
2. SunConnect Djerba Aqua Resort 4*;
3. Sentido Djerba Beach 4*;
4. Club Magic Life Penelope Beach Imperial 4*;
5. Miramar Petit Palais 3*.

Hotels in which there are thalassotherapy in the resort of Midoun:

1. Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Thalasso 5*;
2. Yadis Djerba Golf Thalasso & Spa 5*;
3. Radisson Blu Ulysse Resort & Thalasso Djerba 5*.
4. Hasdrubal Prestige Thalassa & Spa 5 * - in the city of Houmt Souk.

Customs restrictions

Citizens of the Russian Federation may not apply for a visa to enter the Arab state of Tunisia if they stay in the country for no more than 90 days.

When entering Tunisia, there are customs restrictions:
1. It is impossible to import and export from the country:

• It is forbidden to export local currency.
• It is forbidden to import drugs.

2. Import is allowed:

• One bottle of alcohol.
• Perfumes and items for personal use.
• foreign currency.

Advice, if you are exporting valuable items made of gold or silver, carpets, etc., you must have a receipt or certificate confirming the authenticity of the products with you.

Souvenirs and gifts in Tunisia

Holidays on the island of Djerba are impossible without, for sure, many will want to take a piece with them, which will remind them of a pleasant journey.

An excellent gift and souvenir would be a bottle of olive oil. It is best to buy new crop oil in late autumn. The best oil is Extra Virgin, Cold First Press. One of these labels should be on the olive oil label.

A bottle of Tunisian wine from French vineyards planted in colonial times. The most popular brands are Magon, Muscat de Kelibia, Chateau Mornag Rose.

Many housewives will be happy to purchase the spices and Harris national sauce, which is made from pepper, garlic, spices and olive oil.

Tip, spices are best bought by weight, so you can see their quality and feel the wonderful aroma.

Jewelry made of gold and silver handmade in the ancient Byzantine or Arabic style.

The Desert Rose flower will be an original gift. This amazing flower "grows" in the Sahara desert. It is formed by sand and rain. Sometimes Locals paint roses in different colors, blue, red, etc.

Handmade ceramics, it can be beautifully decorated plates, jugs, cups and much more.

Tip, when transporting these beautiful things, it is important to know that they are very fragile. Therefore, it is best to carefully wrap all ceramic products and put them in hand luggage.

You can also bring dates, cactus fruits and pomegranates, olives and dried vegetables from the island of Djerba. From sweets, delicious halva, and this fragrant drink for coffee connoisseurs. Many women will be happy with rose water and perfume.

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In books and guides about Tunisia, Djerba does not have much space and information. But this does not mean at all that the island is a depressive industrial area or a tourist outsider. On the contrary, Djerba (Tunisia) willingly welcomes guests all year round. It can even be said that in recent years tourism has surpassed traditional carpet weaving in terms of profitability. But for many people, the island, lost near the Libyan border, is "terra incognito." We will try to tell here about this idyllic corner, where, according to legend, among date groves and beaches with the purest sand, Odysseus forgot everything in the world in the arms of the nymph Calypso. Let's just say that in order to relax and lose the sense of time on Djerba, no mermaids are needed, because the gentle sea, thalassotherapy procedures and the hospitality of the locals will do their job.

Geography

The island of Djerba (Tunisia) is small. Its length is only 29 kilometers, and the width is even less - a maximum of 28 km. Also, this piece of land is low, it rises above the sea by only 55 meters. When we say “island”, we adhere to a clear geographical definition, although in order to get there, one does not have to sail by sea at all. It comes so close to the mainland that it is connected to it by a bridge. Moreover, this jumper is not an achievement of modern engineering. The bridge was built by the ancient Romans more than two thousand years ago. From all sides, the island is washed by azure waters. The coastline of Djerba is 130 kilometers of excellent beaches. The island's main town is Houmt Souk, the bustling commercial center of southern Tunisia. Djerba exports not only wonderfully made carpets, but also sponges, soaps, pottery and fish.

Climate

The North African heat, softened by the fresh breath of the Atlantic Ocean, promises you an excellent Djerba, due to its geographical location, boasts that the temperature on the island is always 2-3 degrees higher than on the mainland. Yet this is not Egypt. Despite the assurances of travel agencies that you can sunbathe and swim in Djerba all year round, there is a “dead season” here. These are three winter months. The coldest time is January. The air temperature is kept at +15°C, and in February and December - +17°C. The best time to relax on Djerba is called the off-season with their comfortable + 22-26 ° C. The Mediterranean climate has created a variety of landscapes on the small island. The lush greenery of olive and date groves contrasts with the desert landscapes here.

"Land of Lotus Eaters"

The island of Djerba (Tunisia) is so beautiful that there is nothing surprising in the fact that many legends are circling around it. Homer came up with the first. From the "Odyssey" we learn that Ulysses sailed from the burning Troy and, after long adventures, reached the deserted coast, on which inhabitants lived who knew no grief. They ate lotus flowers that grew here in abundance. For this, Odysseus called the island "the land of lotophages." The brave navigator met the nymph Calypso here. She also gave him a drink of nectar from it, and this drug so intoxicated Odysseus that he forgot the purpose of his journey and remained on the island (in love, of course) for seven whole years. Homer gives the island the name Oligia. It is not difficult to believe in this myth, because even today the atmosphere prevailing on Djerba is saturated with some intoxicating sweet ether. Already on the second day, even the most collected and pedantic person loses the sense of time and plunges into blissful languor.

Story

In reality, everything was somewhat more prosaic, but no less interesting. The Phoenicians were the discoverers of the island. In the distant eighth century BC, they brought here the beginnings of trade and crafts. But Tunisia, the island of Djerba and the oases of the Western Sahara were inhabited by local Barbary tribes. They have retained their identity even now, although they coexist side by side with other nationalities of the country. The island received a powerful economic boost during the era of the domination of the Roman Empire. An embankment bridge was built across the two-kilometer strait, connecting Djerba with the mainland. The island is the small home of the emperors Valerian and Gallienus. Later, Tunisia was owned by the Byzantines, Normans, Arabs, Spaniards, Turks. In the 16th century, the name of the terrible pirate Drogut Reis thundered here, who had one of his bases on the island. There is an opinion that the filibuster hid his treasures somewhere here. In 1560, a pirate erected a tower of five thousand skulls of his enemies. Borj el-Rus stood until 1848, after which it was dismantled, and the human remains were buried.

How to get there

The hotels of the island of Djerba (Tunisia) attract travelers, but the road to them, especially from our penates, can be long. During the high season, Nouvelair operates charter flights from Russia. But at other times you will have to get with transfers. The local Djerba-Zarzis airport regularly receives only domestic flights. You can fly to the capital of the state, the city of Tunisia, and then use one of the offers of local airlines (a one-way ticket will cost about one hundred dinars). The journey in the “luage”, an intercity minibus, will be longer, but four times cheaper. They depart from stops as they fill up. Buses are an alternative. More expensive, but comfortable, with air conditioning. And they run on schedule.

Hotels in Tunis, Djerba Island

The hotel base of the local resorts allows you to relax for various categories of tourists. Most of the hotels are concentrated on the northern and western coasts, as well as in the city of Houmt Souk. At the southeastern tip of the island, the excellent resort of Midoun thrives. If we consider hotels by star rating, then the vast majority are "fours". Moreover, the quality of service in them surpasses the Turkish "five". There are both well-known chain hotels in Europe (Magic Life, Iberostar, Caribbean World and others), as well as local hotels with a unique color and buildings in the Barbary style. Five-star hotels in Djerba (Tunisia) offer their guests life-giving thalassotherapy courses. These are such oases of bliss as Hasdrubal Thalassa & Spa Prestige, Ulysse Palace, Movenpick Ulysse, Vincci Al Kantara, Radisson Blu. Of the worthy "three rubles" we can advise Miramar, Garden Park, Mehari and Palma.

Popular excursions

The island of Djerba (Tunisia) is a unique place where the Christian West and the Muslim East, African beliefs and Jewish wisdom intertwine. Here, as in a time machine, you can go to the medieval medina and wander for hours along the shady narrow streets. Tourists are offered a large number of excursions both on the island and on the mainland of Tunisia. Which one to choose? Reviews highly praise the organized two-day trip to the Sahara with a stop in the Barbary settlements of the ksars and the Tataouin area. By the way, those who watched the Star Wars movie epic will surely recognize a fictional planet with the same name in this desert landscape. Yes, Tataouine was filmed here, and at the same time they borrowed the name. It will be interesting for children to visit the crocodile farm and the Laguna Reserve, where lotuses grow and flocks of pink flamingos live. You will have unforgettable impressions after visiting the lunar landscapes of Matmata.

Independent travel

Immediately, you need to make a reservation that taxi prices here are higher than in the mainland of the state of Tunisia. The island of Djerba is small, but still its sights are remote from each other. If you are lucky enough to rest in Houmt Souk, go to the medina. This is the name of the medieval quarter surrounded by fortified walls in the countries of the Arab world. In addition to bustling places to buy beautiful jewelry, embossing, carpets and pottery, you will see many characteristic houses with white walls and domed roofs. These are "menzeli" - the traditional dwellings of the inhabitants of Djerba. Thanks to this design of the building, it always remains cool. In the labyrinths of the medina, there are also three main mosques worth visiting: Jamaa Ettruk, Ash Sheikh and Jemaa el Gorba. But the main attraction of the old city is the Bordj el-Kebir fortress. In the Jewish town of Hara-Segira, there is the oldest synagogue, La Griba (Amazing). According to legend, she is already two thousand six hundred years old. And in the town of Meninx, the ruins of an ancient Roman settlement have been preserved.

Souvenirs

What to bring in memory of the island of Djerba (Tunisia)? Reviews advise, in addition to carpets, to buy excellent local wines. The French colonizers instilled a taste for fine drinks in the local population, so you won't be disappointed. Palm trees grow everywhere on the island, so alcoholic drinks are made from dates. A bottle of liquor will come in very handy, as will a package of excellent olive oil. We recommend that lovers of the exotic buy a melkhafa in the medina at the bazaar - a traditional orange-striped bedspread. Gellale sells fine ceramics.

This island in the African Gulf of Gabes attracts numerous tourists from all over the world. Direct flights to Djerba have become available in the last ten years for Russians not only from Moscow, but also from many other cities of our country. There is an amazing sea, clean beaches with the finest sand, excellent service, interesting sights and hospitable local people. The cost of tours to the island of Djerba (Tunisia) is a pleasant surprise, and hotels are offered in a variety of categories. In the article, we will dwell in detail on the features of recreation in this corner of Africa, consider accommodations based on the reviews of tourists over the past two years.

The beautiful island of Djerba (Tunisia): location and climate

The island is famous for its magnificent beaches and comfortable hotels with vast areas where you can play golf. Even on Djerba, the best thalassotherapy in the world, and the oriental flavor here is in perfect harmony with French sophistication. This place is called "Mediterranean Tahiti". Why? Just look at the photos of the island of Djerba in Tunisia below and you will understand everything yourself.

The island is very conveniently located: it is connected to the mainland by a ferry, which travelers describe in the most enthusiastic terms. Judging by the reviews of tourists about the island of Djerba (Tunisia), it offers both a rather luxurious vacation and very economical accommodation.

This is the largest piece of land on the North African coast with an area of ​​more than 500 km2. Its shores are gently washed by the Mediterranean Sea, and the sun fills Djerba with life every day of the year. The climate here is very mild, on a tropical island it is good even in winter. Temperature fluctuations are insignificant, there is little precipitation and they fall most often in autumn and spring. The beach season lasts from May to early October, after which the water temperature in the Mediterranean drops to +17+19 ºС.

The official language in Djerba, as well as throughout the country, is Arabic, but most of the population also speaks French. In hotels, guests are also greeted in English, and in some even in Russian.

Types of tourism on the island of Djerba (Tunisia)

What kind of vacation can be popular in the country's southernmost resort? Of course, the beach. It is always several degrees warmer here than in the continental part of the country. Tourists come here a little earlier and leave a little later.

On the territory of many hotels (from 4 stars) on the island of Djerba in Tunisia there are excellent thalassotherapy centers. Wellness and rejuvenation procedures are chosen not only by the fair sex, but also by many men.

Rest here is very calm and measured. Everything is very light and calming. Even the sea on the island with a light blue color gently frames the snow-white beaches. The houses are neatly laid out, square with white domed roofs.

Active entertainment is still there - horseback riding, golf, water sports, hiking and cycling. Club life on the island is almost not developed, but there are several places where you can dance well.

Resort areas of the island

The capital of Djerba - Houmt Souk. The city is a fishing port. No wonder that the best seafood dishes are served in its restaurants.

The Zarsis region is called a paradise. Here grow the most beautiful gardens on the island, olive and date groves, among lotuses and other exotic flowers, small multi-colored birds sing. Nearby are very secluded islands that love to visit couples. Cote d'Azur, clean, fine sand are torn away from reality and carried away into the world of dreams.

The main tourist area is called Medun, it is located near the international airport in the northwest of the island. The city is the second largest in Djerba. The area here is very fertile, and therefore picturesque. Many tourists ride bicycles or just walk. In the center of the city there is a beautiful mosque and a large cafe, popular with visitors. Nearby you can find markets where tourists usually buy fruits, souvenirs and other local goods, not forgetting about bargaining. In addition, guests of the city have the opportunity to look at the process of making olive oil.

How are the beaches different?

Let's start with free municipal beaches. These are long and sparsely populated shores with fine white sand, along which numerous date palms and olive trees grow. On some calm and quiet beaches, you can see the most beautiful sight - flocks of unusual pink flamingos flying gracefully above the turquoise waves.

The best beaches are located in the northeast of the island. The Djerba lagoon is located in this place, it is reliably protected from the northern winds and is perfectly warmed up by the bright sun. The beach strip is very long and wide. In this place are also the most popular, judging by the reviews, hotels of the island of Djerba (Tunisia).

The western shores are mostly uninhabited, only occasionally you can meet couples in love or groups of tourists on them. There are completely different, indescribable feelings of unity and harmony with this beautiful world. Accordingly, there is practically no infrastructure around. Travelers come here in rented cars, and take provisions with them.

Accommodation options and price range

It should be noted right away that comfortable accommodation is the main thing that is offered to tourists in hotels. However, you can feel quite good even in the most unpretentious and inexpensive hotels on the island of Djerba in Tunisia. "All inclusive", a concept so beloved by Russian tourists, is valid almost everywhere.

The island has guest houses and villas, as well as hotels of 1*, 3*, 4* and 5* categories. The location can be in the city center or not far from it, on the first or second coastline. The level of comfort and service in them, of course, differ, as well as the cost of a room per night.

The minimum price for accommodation is a little more than 1300 rubles in a rather nice Djerba Erriadh 1 * hotel. The cost of a room per day in 3 * categories with the best rating will be from 2000 to 5000 rubles. In prestigious and respectable categories (for example, Park Inn Ulysse Resort & Thalasso 5 *), prices can reach up to 20,000-30,000 rubles per day in the most expensive room.

Rating of the best hotels on the island of Djerba (Tunisia) according to tourist reviews

Resa Dar Sema Djerba 3 * - is rated by tourists at 9.8 points out of 10. The apart-hotel is located in the capital of the island. Here you can find the perfect value for money. This is a small complex with only four rooms. If you want the staff to pay a lot of attention to you, literally "blow the dust off you", come to this hotel. An individual approach to each client, excellent service and delicious breakfasts are guaranteed here.

Hotel Palm Asur 4 * is very popular among vacationers, it is chosen more often than other accommodation options, due to its affordable cost and excellent location on the first line. During the civil revolution in Tunisia (2011), many hotels in the tourist area of ​​Midoun were empty. "Palm Azur" was opened earlier than others, its territory and number of rooms were updated. Today it is a very calm and quiet place with excellent service and comfortable suites.

The Kzar Djerba 4 * hotel is not inferior in demand among Russian vacationers. This is also the Midoun area. The minimum cost per room starts from 2300 rubles, which is considered quite acceptable for a hotel of this category. Tourists praise the restaurant very much, the beautiful territory with outdoor and indoor pools, a magnificent conference hall equipped with everything necessary for holding business events, and a fairly spacious tennis court. The staff meets guests in Russian, which cannot but please our compatriots.

Best of the Best: 5* hotels of Djerba island in Tunisia

Hasdrubal Thalassa and SPA 5* has a rating of 10 out of 10 possible points. This is the first coastline, and the territory of the hotel is simply huge. On the beach, sunbeds and umbrellas stand at a decent distance from each other so that the guest's personal space is not violated. The food is exquisite. Guests are offered fresh seafood dishes and the best fruits, elite drinks, and the most delicate oriental desserts.

Another hotel from this chain is Hasdrubal Prestige 5 * (10 out of 10). Tourists compare this huge and luxurious complex with the palace from the fairy tale "Thousand and One Nights". In everything one can feel oriental sophistication and knowledge of the measure. European service at the highest level.

Golden mean: 4 * hotels on the island of Djerba in Tunisia

Several of the most popular complexes in this category have been described above. "Fours" are chosen more often than other hotels because they combine not only an acceptable cost of living, but also high-class service, comfort, and a wide range of services. Tourists claim that some 4 * hotels in Tunisia are in no way inferior to expensive respectable 5 * apartments, and in some ways they can even surpass them.

Such hotels on the island of Djerba (Tunisia), as Seabel Rym Beach 4 *, are very popular for families with young children. Tourists usually choose the end of August or the beginning of September to visit the country, as the climate is at its mildest at this time. The Sibel Hotel has a huge territory, an excellent beach with a gentle entry into the sea and children's playgrounds. For younger guests, you can choose a full meal, such as cereals and light soups, dairy products. The local population treats the children very warmly, interesting entertainment events are prepared for them. Animation teams try to make children and adults have fun. Crocodile farm just 10 minutes from the hotel.

Djerba Plaza Hotel & Spa 4 * is located in the heart of the tourist area of ​​Midouna. A distinctive feature of this hotel on the island of Djerba (Tunisia) is the presence of five restaurants and several bars. Here even gourmets will satisfy their exquisite taste, there are dishes for vegetarians, lovers of oriental and European cuisine. You can rent a car or bicycle at the hotel rental to explore the beautiful scenery of the surroundings.

Large and very comfortable family rooms with excellent renovation attract families to the Vincci Helios Beach 4 * hotel. The territory of the hotel extends for almost ten hectares. There are thalassotherapy centers, swimming pools, a children's mini-club, nannies even for the smallest children. According to tourists, the food at the hotel is just great. In the evenings, wonderful entertainment programs take place, and later lovers of dancing can go to the nightclub of the complex.

Carribean World Djerba 4* is a real paradise for lovers of water sports! In addition to the magnificent wide and well-maintained beach, the hotel has a large number of swimming pools with slides and a small children's water park.

What do they feed tourists?

Judging by the reviews about the island of Djerba, it is worth trying the Tunisian national tea, which is served cold or hot. Honey, mint and pine nuts are necessarily added to it. They say that some kind of unique combination is obtained. By the way, you can try to make such a drink at home. From local alcohol, tourists distinguish date liqueur and a variety of fruit wines.

The restaurants (according to the All Inclusive concept) of the best hotels on the island of Djerba in Tunisia serve both local dishes (beef or veal stew with vegetables, seafood dishes) and international ones. French dishes are very popular here, which are cooked with special skill.

Tourists should understand that they are coming to a Muslim country, it is necessary to respect its religion and traditions. For example, in Tunisia it is not customary to abuse alcoholic beverages, drink them in public places and appear drunk in public places. There is also a negative attitude towards smoking, although in some hotels you can find different types of rooms.

Crocodile farm, pirate ship and other attractions

The island does not have such a large number of interesting places associated with the rich history of Tunisia, as, for example, in Carthage. But even here there is something to brighten up leisure. Fans of cultural and educational tourism should go on a sightseeing tour of the city, which covers all the significant architectural structures of the island. For example, you can see the Roman road, the large and very ancient synagogue of El Ghriba, the powerful fortress of Borj El Kebir, and next to it is a fairly informative local history museum.

More entertaining than educational event is proposed to be done on a pirate ship. Many of today's Tunisians are distant descendants of the Barbary pirates who once chose Djerba as their base. In the 21st century, you can feel the atmosphere and spirit of those distant times. To do this, visit a pirate ship recreated to the smallest detail and put on the costumes of daring sailors.

In addition, many tourists swim along the Mediterranean coast with excursions to some small and picturesque islands. The price usually includes an interesting and tasty pirate-style dinner with fresh red fish and other delicacies.

Many have heard about the Djerba Explore amusement park, you should definitely come here. Both children and adults will like it here. Of greatest interest is the crocodile farm, which is inhabited mainly by huge Nile crocodiles. It is noteworthy that reptiles are not grown here in order to show entertaining tricks with their participation or to make elegant handbags and straps from their skin, as in Pattaya. Crocodiles live in conditions as close as possible to their natural habitat, and tourists can watch them from specially equipped bridges. Often vacationers try to calculate that the time of visiting the park coincides with the feeding time of these green giants (usually around 16:00).

After such emotional spectacles, you can safely walk through the park, see the Tunisian village recreated in all its national flavor. Here are real houses made of clay and lime, and camels help pump water for irrigating the fields, with their help the peasants cultivate the soil. In the Lalla Hadria Museum, you can see unique exhibits of Arab culture, some of which date back to the 7th century.

Instead of a conclusion

As you can see, the island of Djerba is a place that is suitable for any comfortable stay. The main distinguishing feature of all accommodation options on the island is excellent service and high-class staff. Residents are very fond of the sun and water, so hotel rooms often have pleasant golden hues. There are several pools in the areas among palm trees and olive trees, and the wonderful white beaches of the island will be remembered for a lifetime.

Many tourists traveling on sea holidays abroad know resorts located in the northeastern part of Tunisia: Sousse, Hammamet, Monastir, Mahdia, etc. I myself rested here for the first time with my family in September 2006 (Royal Salem hotel).

But, as it turned out, in this country there is another comfortable destination for recreation, by the way, the very first in Tunisia, it all started with it. It's called - Djerba island. Only foreigners, mostly French, have always rested here. Since the summer of 2016, the island has been massively open and has become available to Russians.

Geographic reference.

Djerba is an island in the Mediterranean Sea, located in the Gulf of Gabes. The largest island off the Mediterranean coast of Africa, the area is 514 km². The population is about 150 thousand people.

Djerba is connected to the mainland by the only unique causeway built by the ancient Romans about 2000 years ago. All tourists are brought here during a sightseeing tour. But driving along the "Roman road" is possible only when you go outside of Djerba.

The stones used in the original construction still lie along the roadside.

Since Djerba is now popular in our country and for sure next year (despite how things turn out in Egypt and Turkey) there will be a new wave of vacationers, I decided to give a detailed description of the main points. These are my impressions :)

It is very convenient that direct charters fly to Djerba from different cities of Russia, the island has its own, fairly modern airport. The length of the island is no more than 29 km, respectively, comfortable logistics. You will not have to, even taking into account the delivery to other hotels, to get to your place for more than an hour (as is the case in a number of other countries).

I was also pleased that I didn’t have to pay anything (visa, fees) at the airport upon arrival or, for example, in the Dominican Republic before flying home.

We were here for 10 nights and it turned out that exactly the same number of full days. Someone is lucky and they are not picked up at 0:30 at night like us, but during the day or even in the evening, and then they get more for the same cost of a ticket for the day. Therefore, the main advice: remember, you should not leave buying souvenirs, photographing, etc. for the last day.
It's good that I managed to meet at least one sunrise. The second failed because of the Pegasus company ...

Okay, I won’t talk about sad things, I’d rather talk about positive things :)

Our hotel on the island was called Caribbean World Djerba 4*. At the end of the holiday, I can confidently state that our family of three was satisfied with it.

Despite the fact that when I was in the Caribbean I lived on a ship, this Tunisian hotel really reminded me of those places, and at the same time Turkey and Egypt :)
Strong animation, cozy territory, tolerable food.

I will write only about the main points. The beaches on Djerba, and throughout the country, are common. The only difference is fine white sand, not to be confused with snow-white :)

The second thing that catches your eye on the beach is a large number of horses and camels riding tourists.

Despite one aesthetic moment, I do not consider it a minus. Firstly, it is always interesting for children, and secondly, it is simply beautiful. Personally, I didn't mind.

You should have seen what kind of camels walking there: in hats, bright bedspreads, with small camels. In short, be sure to ride your children.

In second place among beach activities is a parachute. I'm still not going to decide on it, I'm saving everything for the next time :)

Now, as for the sea. For us, tourists living in the central strip of Russia, a thousand kilometers from the Sea of ​​​​Azov, the word "sea" in itself already sounds magical and soothing.

What can we say about the Mediterranean Sea, especially in the ecological region, which is Djerba. On the east coast of the island, the water is clear. The color of water, as you understand, depends on the depth and lighting.

I won’t hide it, the shores were clean for several days, then small waves and plants (not algae) appeared. In our hotel, the beach was cleaned almost every day, so there were no problems with this. I saw hotels where there is a lot of grass. The photo below shows a neutral (ownerless) territory. How do you like the guy on the right? Growth is clearly more than 2 meters. He would not offer sea excursions, but play basketball :)

At the end of the holiday, the sea grass was in the water (the first 2-3 meters from the shore). I inspired myself a long time ago, and this is most likely true, that thanks to these plants, a large amount of natural iodine and various useful trace elements appear in the sea. In this case, it is important not to know the truth, but to believe. The placebo effect has not been canceled :)

Forgetting about the sad experience of walking barefoot along the coast in Sri Lanka, my wife and I decided to take a walk along the sea anyway. First we walked 3 km to the right, the next day more than 5 km in the other direction. So we explored almost the entire tourist hotel area from the sea. There were even places where there were no people at all.

Surprised by the large number of abandoned hotels. As I understand it, after the terrorist attacks in the north of the country (on the beach and in the Bardo Museum), many foreign companies canceled flights and the number of tourists dropped sharply. That's a number of hotels and went bankrupt.

Next to ours is the Sirena Hotel.

This is a cool place for thrill seekers, especially in the evening after sunset. Green water in the pool, rusty swings, crumbling plaster. Some areas are overgrown with grass or shrubs. Ideal subject for photo shoots.

I think that in general terms about the sea and the rest it became clear to you. If you are not spoiled by the UAE and the Maldives, then you should like it here.

Yes, I forgot to write about the cool climate. The temperature here is felt several degrees lower than the real one on the thermometer. A big plus is the fact that in the evening here, like in the desert, the heat drops sharply and if during the day, for example, it was 35, then at night it could be 20. We slept even without the air conditioner on, which happens extremely rarely for the Mediterranean summer.

Now I want to move on to an important part of the trip - cultural and educational leisure or excursions on the island of Djerba.

I bought two short sightseeing tours of the island from the hotel guide. The first one is called "Amazing Djerba". I recommend it to you as entertainment for the whole family.

It costs $26 without discounts ($14 for children). The first thing we visited was Djerba Explorer Park. Here is the Museum of Arts and Crafts, which presents the work of folk craftsmen and shows the features of the culture of the inhabitants of the island.

We liked it here, especially since we got to feed.

The last stop was unusual. We were brought to the city of artists. I already told you about him

My second tour was simply called "Djerba Island Tour". The price is the same as the previous program. I liked that the visited objects did not intersect.

The first point was a really interesting ethnographic museum in the village of Gelala.

I took dozens of pictures here. Everything is very clear and there are many bright details.

Gelala is also the pottery center of the island of Djerba. In addition to buying appropriate bright souvenirs, we were shown the process of making a number of products.

Then there was a very worthy and significant place within not only the island and the country, but even the continent.

It was a discovery for me that one of the oldest synagogues of the Earth is located on Djerba. Its age is almost 2500 years. It is the oldest in Africa.

El Ghriba Synagogue houses one of the world's oldest Torah Scrolls.

At the end of the tour, we arrived in the capital of Djerba, the city of Houmt Souk. We were taken around a small town and given free time in the central market.

I immediately ran to the fish department, where you can observe a unique phenomenon - a seafood auction. Of course, I love such events very much.

Outside of Djerba, I traveled only once during a one-day excursion to Tatuan. The island is a convenient place to travel around the southern part of Tunisia.

The most popular excursion in Djerba is "Sahara 2 days" ($100-120). Since in 2006 I went on a similar tour from the city of Sousse, this time I did not spend even so few free days.

The Djerba version of the Sahara is more interesting because it is in this desert region that you spend much more time.

That's basically all, in short, I told you about Djerba. I want to finish with a reminder that according to ancient legends, the island of Djerba is the place where the beautiful nymph Calypso sought reciprocity from Odysseus for seven years. It was Homer who named the island Oligia.

I wish you to see for yourself the attractiveness of Djerba. To do this, unlike Odysseus, you only need seven vacation days :) Have a nice and beautiful vacation!

The small mythical island of Djerba, framed by palm trees, is beautiful, but there are many tourists who flock not only to relax on wonderful beaches, but also to see unique houses and mosques. There are many date farms and olive groves on the island. Whitewashed mosques with strong walls (this is unusual for Tunisia) shining under the bright rays of the sun. Cycling around the island is an excellent way to experience its charms.

Fishing flourishes in Djerba, and fish are still caught using traditional methods. In the port, you can see long rows of terracotta pots strung on a rope, each in the shape of a turnip and about 45 cm high. At the top of each pot, a string is tied around the rim. The fishermen leave the pots connected one with the other in the sea several miles from the shore. For some inexplicable reason, these pots literally attract octopuses - they have been caught this way since the Phoenicians discovered this method of fishing 3,000 years ago.

The island of Djerba is connected to the mainland by a 6.5 km long road embankment, which is believed to have been left over from Roman times. It is said that this island is the most mysterious place where Odysseus met lotophages, "lotus eaters". Unlike Odysseus, many of the vacationers who have ever visited Djerba come here again. The climate here is very pleasant, the people are friendly, the beaches are beautiful and extensive, and far from the coast, despite all the pressure of seaside mass tourism, traditional provincial Tunisia is still preserved. Water supply is now provided by two main pipelines coming from the mainland.

Djerba and its population took a different path of development than the rest of Tunisia. As on the mainland, Djerba was initially inhabited exclusively by Berbers. But, unlike other areas of Tunisia, the Arab conquerors failed to either oust or assimilate the local tribes. The Berbers of Djerba belong to a special Islamic religious community - the Ibadis. They reject any entertainment and luxury, lead a very modest and unpretentious lifestyle and do not build themselves large mosques. Families gather for prayer in simple rural chapels in their own backyards (menzelah).

The architecture of the Ibadis of Djerba is also different from what we see in the cities. Menzels and mosques are built of clay and whitewashed on the outside. Each such structure is like a small fortress: it is surrounded by high walls and has a reservoir in which water is collected from meager rains. The soft building material does not allow straight lines or right angles, and therefore the architectural forms seem very soft, fluid and alive.

The most striking feature of the Ibadis is their tendency to live as "one-man". The local peasants never settled in villages, but built their menzels at a decent distance from their neighbors. And, as a result, there have never been large cities on the island. And those that exist today arose from the bazaars where merchants from the mainland settled. This method of settlement is also surprising because Djerba was endlessly subjected to threats and attacks: after the Arab conquest (7th century) the Normans followed (XII century) and Spaniards (XVI century). Then pirates settled on the island, supported by the Ottomans. All the conquerors tried to settle on the coast, and almost no one touched the Ibadis, who lived in the center of the island.

Two towns, Hara Segira and Hara Kebira, were founded by Jews who are believed to have settled in Djerba as early as the 6th century BC. e. Written references to the Jewish community on the island of Djerba have been known since the 11th century.

Houmt Souk

Houmt Souk (Houmt Souk)- this is the capital of the island, and for a long time it was the only major settlement on Djerba. The bazaar used to meet here, hence the name houmt souk, "market quarter". Despite its importance for trade, today this bazaar occupies a rather modest area. When shopping in Djerba, they prefer the modern shops or the "Libyan Market" on the outskirts of the city, where they sell a mixture of second-hand and smuggled goods.

It is best to enter the bazaar from the east side, from Abdel-Hamid-el-Kadi street (Rue Abdel Hamid el-Khadi). The narrow entrance to the Old City is flanked by two mosques. Foreign Mosque (Mosquee des Etrangers) with a square minaret and white domes over the prayer hall, as its name implies, it was intended for "newcomers" who visited Houmt Souk.

Opposite it stands the mosque of Ibrahim el-Jemni founded in 1674. (Ibrahim el-Jemni), with its own hammam, located a few steps from it. A narrow alley leads to the pretty Hedi Shaker Square (Place Hedi Chaker) and further to Farhat Khashed Square (Place Farhat Hached), where cafes and restaurants await guests among blooming bougainvilleas and hibiscus bushes. On the way you will meet caravanserais (foundouk) for which Houmt Souk is so famous. Merchants used to stop in caravanserais: on the first floor goods and pack animals were placed, on the second there were rooms for guests. Today, in hotels like the Er-Riadh or the Touring Club, you can taste that caravanserai atmosphere—provided you're willing to forego the shower in your room.

To the north of both squares lies the bazaar. (souk), partly covered, where you can find many jewelry shops. From time immemorial, the inhabitants of Djerba of Jewish origin have worked with gold, because the Berbers consider this metal impure. In addition to jewelry, woven carpets, pottery and clothes are sold at the bazaar, but all at rather high prices. If you come here in the morning, you can get to the fish auction. Freshly caught fish is praised loudly, the seller holds it in a whole bunch high above his head, dealers push, bid, shout.

At the northern end of the bazaar, near Arish Square (Place Arisha) one more caravanserai and a Catholic church will be found, in which services have now been resumed.

Tayeb Mhiri Street (Rue Taieb M "hiri) leads past the seven domes and round minaret of the Turkish mosque (Jamaa et Trouk) to the northern outskirts of Houmt Souk and towards the port. Here, dominating everything, rises the fort of Gazi Mustafa (Fort Ghazi Moustapha) built in the 15th century on Roman foundations. It served as the scene for one of the most terrible atrocities of the infamous corsair Dragut, who began his career in the service of the Ottomans, but soon broke away and with his fleet inspired fear in the Mediterranean neighbors. In 1560, when Dragut stormed this fortress, about 6,000 Spaniards took refuge in the fort. They were taken prisoner and beheaded. From their skulls, Dragut ordered to build an ominous tower in front of the fort, which travelers told about in the 19th century. An obelisk reminds of this today.

Opposite and obliquely is the Haroun restaurant, which used to be considered the best in Djerba. Here you can sit perfectly, but the price and quality are clearly not consistent with each other. The same Nagoip organizes sightseeing trips to Flamingo Island (lie des Flamants). On this peninsula, camping tablecloths are laid out and Tunisian delicacies are served, while flamingos roam the water serenely, looking for food on the bottom.

It will be very interesting to visit the Houmt Souk Museum, equipped in the halls of the zawiya on Abdel-Hamid el-Kadi Street. Zawiya is the religious center of the Muslim community. Most often, the zawiya consists of the tomb of its founder, a mosque and rooms where pilgrims can stay. The museum presents traditional clothing and wonderful jewelry from Djerba. In kubba, a mausoleum where two saints rest at once, a completely unique dome design made of cylindrical ceramic tubes inserted into each other is striking.

Hotel zones

Hotels are concentrated on the northeast ledge of Djerba around the cape of Ras Tagernes (Ras Taguerness).

Heading west from Cape Lighthouse (the entrance to which is closed) stretches the beach of Sidi Mahres (Plage de Sidi Mahres), to the south, hotels and restaurants stretch along the beach of Seguia (Plage de la Seguia) towards Agira (Aghir). Hotel dwellers can find endless sandy beaches everywhere. There are also a couple of rocky areas on Segia Beach, and the beach itself is not as wide as Sidi Mahres. Closer to the hotels, high sand dunes form a natural protective wall against the winds that often blow from the sea.

At the foot of the lighthouse lies a shallow lagoon where many sea birds gather and where it is very good to walk and watch our feathered brethren.

Equally close to the lighthouse is a beautiful golf course, a 27-hole green, slightly uneven course where beginners can take an introductory course for a small fee. In addition, there is a large casino here.

The latest in island entertainment - Djerba Explore Theme Park (next to the lighthouse) representing architecture, culture (at Lalla Hadria Museum) and lifestyle of the Ibadis. Cafes and souvenir shops add some variety to the walk through the recreated Djerba Heritage village with its traditional houses and workshops. On a big crocodile farm ("Crocod" iles) near the village you can admire these prehistoric reptiles. Crocodile feeding is quite an impressive sight, it starts at about 17:00.

In the hotel area of ​​Sidi Mahres beach, on the edge that faces Houmt Souk, you will find several hotels and pensions simpler.

Island tour

Djerba is not a very large island, with an area of ​​​​only 514 km², and besides, it is almost completely flat. Its highest place is the clay hills near the village of Gellala. (Guellala) (55 m). Therefore, the island is ideal for cycling. Bicycles can be rented from hotels and Houmt Souk.

A sightseeing tour of the island in most cases begins in one of two tourist areas: Sidi Mahres or Segia. The bustling town of Midoun serves as the district center and at the same time a popular destination for outings from tourists from hotels. (Midoun) There used to be a slave market here. This explains the fact that many of the local inhabitants have a darker skin color than the rest of the Jerbies.

The market square offers a grand selection of ceramic dishes and vases. At the Cafe de la Jeunesse, men sit in the shade of an old plane tree, sipping coffee, playing dominoes, or reading the newspaper. Several good restaurants invite you to dine, including the pretty La Coucousserie, which has a wonderful variety of couscous-based dishes on its menu. At the stadium, the resourceful head of the tourism department organized a folklore festival - the Berber wedding (Manage berbere), which every Tuesday attracts tourists from coastal hotels.

From Midoun there are two possibilities to continue the journey: either turn back to the coast and move along it through Aghir and El Kantara, or go inland. The second route is more beautiful, as it passes through the rural part of Djerba with its farms and olive groves. True, before moving west, it is worth deviating a little to the side and drive 4 km along the road towards Houmt Souk to the Fadlun Mosque (Fadhloun). This mosque was abandoned many years ago, and now it is open to visitors. On it you can explore the distinctive features of the architecture of Djerba. There is an impluvium in the forecourt (water collector): a shallow whitewashed pool with a drain hole in which rainwater was collected and transported to a cistern underneath. Nearby is a place for ritual ablutions before prayer. Through a narrow passage in the second bypass wall, you enter the modest inner courtyard of the mosque and from there into the unadorned prayer hall, which rests on four massive columns. On the narrow stairs you can climb the minaret and admire the mosque from above.

Having returned back to Midoun, you can now move inland through the villages of Mahbubin (Mahboubine) and Bedouin (Bedouine) to Seduikesh (Cedouikech). a patriarchal place living in pottery.

But Gellala is more famous in this regard. (Guellala), a real village of potters. However, do not bother looking at the stalls and markets of Gellala for simple, unpainted earthenware jugs, shaped like antique amphorae, which have been made here for centuries. Tourist taste creates an offer, and therefore everything is now lined with ceramics with white-blue-green ornaments, which are actually made in Nabeul. What is being done right here is molded from clay mined in the thickness of the hill under Gellala. Over time, in order to get to the raw materials, it was necessary to dig mines and adits. In ancient kilns, located half underground, clay products are fired. Some stoves in Gellale can be viewed - but as a token of gratitude, you are expected to buy a souvenir.

A noteworthy museum a little away from Gellala tells not only about pottery, but also about Tunisian folk customs. A cafe-restaurant next door invites you to have a bite to eat and drink a glass of mint tea.

To the south and to El Kantara, you can drive along a well-worn road along the sea. Along the way, now and then come across peaks set in shallow places, and in some places on the shore there are clay jugs tied with a rope. The fishermen of Djerba catch their prey in exactly the same way as their counterparts on the Kerkenna Islands: they drive the school between two rows of nets, so that the fish swim in an ever-narrowing passage and eventually become trapped. Octopuses are lured with clay jars, using their habit of climbing into dark shelters - and then all that remains is to raise the jars with the mollusks sitting in them.

In El Kantara (El Kantara) a dam begins, which stretches through the sea strait to the mainland. This jumper appeared in ancient times, and, of course, the Roman road (Chaussee romaine) it was not preserved. Next to the dam, you can see the water pipes that supply Djerba with water from the mainland. There are no water sources on the island itself, and the meager rains are barely enough for agriculture.

If you move further inland, the road will lead you to El May (El May). There is another illustrative example of the peculiar architecture of Ibadi Muslims here: the white mosque of El-May, fortified with high walls and powerful buttresses. Rounded corners and smooth lines soften the appearance of this structure, which is actually quite unfriendly, and deprive it of any menacing. A similar architectural style can be found in the Mzab group of oases. (M "zab) in the Algerian Sahara, where the Berbers also live, adherents of one of the strictest religious sects.

Hara Segira (Hara Seghira), it is Riyadh (Er Riadh), - the gate from the world of Islamic faith to the world of Judaism. Here is the synagogue of La Griba (La Ghriba), the oldest in Africa, which annually, 30 days after the Jewish Old Testament Passover, becomes one of the largest places of pilgrimage for North African Jews.

Jews have lived in Djerba since at least 586. Although historical documents are silent about this, there is a version that Jewish refugees ended up in North Africa no later than 70 AD. after the conquest of Jerusalem by the Romans. The rulers of Islamic dynasties, as a rule, did not touch the Jews. Islam recognized Jews as "People of the Book" (by the Book was meant the Old Testament) and placed higher than the "pagans". True, they, like Christians, had to pay special taxes and live in certain areas of the city, called hara or mellah. After the founding of the State of Israel, most Jews left North Africa; now about 1000 people live on Djerba.

The current building of the synagogue dates back to 1920. It is allowed to enter it only with a covered head. (scarves and hats are available for rent) and no shoes. The interior decoration is dominated by white and blue colors, and you can always see old men sitting in the twilight study of the Holy Scriptures. Precious Torah scrolls are carefully guarded from the eyes of visitors. They are probably among the oldest lists of the Torah that exist today in the Jewish world.

A charming hotel has recently been opened in Riyadh, conceived as an alternative to hotel rooms for pilgrims. It is open and not only for Jews. Its restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine.